Diabetes type 2 is a scourge for sufferers and those with it know that well. Here is some sweet news for diabetes sufferers with gum disease. A new study performed at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine made some helpful findings in this regard. The testing involved groups of diabetic and non-diabetic people utilising chemical and mechanical antiplaque regimes at home to reduce periodontitis, gum disease. The good news was that the diabetic group who used the chlorhexidine gluconate mouth wash achieved significantly reduced periodontal inflammation in comparison to using the control treatment. The thinking is that this chemical blend assisted the diabetics to remove more oral bacteria and this promoted greater healing.
Targeting Periodontal Gum Disease In Diabetics With New Home Treatment
“Individuals with Type 2 diabetes being treated for periodontitis may benefit from using an antimicrobial mouth rinse and small brushes to clean between teeth as part of their at-home oral care routine.
This was a key finding in a recent study conducted by Patricia Diaz, SUNY Empire Innovation Professor in the School of Dental Medicine and director of UB’s Microbiome Center. She published the outcomes of the study she conducted with other researchers in the May 6, 2023, issue of JDR Clinical and Translational Research journal.”
– Buffalo.edu
Many individuals with type 2 diabetes have issues with suppressed self-healing capabilities due to the disease. Therefore, things like effective home treatment plans for gum disease can have advantageous outcomes. The chlorhexidine is a potent antimicrobial mouth wash and has proven very effective in removing plaque via regular rinsing. It is a powerful antigingivitic agent too. There are some downsides to prolonged use, however. It tastes really bad, can stain teeth, and has had deleterious effects on subjects taste and appetite. Scaling by dentists can remove the staining, as part of the treatment of the gum disease so not all bad. In the testing patients received the chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse during a 3 month period.
Treating Gum Disease At The Dentist
“Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the most commonly used therapy for the initial treatment of periodontitis, or gum disease. However, at-home specialised rinses can also help patients.”
– Medical Express
Gum disease, periodontitis, is a far bigger health issue facing humanity than is publicly acknowledged. The linkage between gum disease and more serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and stroke is showing up in studies across the globe. Neglecting the state of one’s oral health is, quite simply, a highway to hell for your health. Many dentists are more worried about gum disease than any other single aspect within their profession. Indeed, they are telling us that if we don’t get this important message out with enough red light warnings it could spell very serious bad outcomes for millions of people.
Neglect Of Oral Health Biggest Contributor To Gum Disease
Too many people neglect their oral health. Firstly, far too many of us eat too much crap – too much sugar and processed food. We drink way too much alcohol, which is full of sugar and nasty acids that eat away at our enamel and the health of our teeth. Smoking and vaping continue to be ongoing problems especially among younger people. Dry mouth is a major cause of periodontal gum disease. Drug use is another cause of gum disease. Poor diet. Drinking too much soft drink and sports drinks. Drinking too much coffee. The overprescription of antidepressant medications is another contributor to poor oral health. In many instances, these prescription medications are largely ineffective and patients stay on them for years. SSRI antidepressants were only ever designed to be taken for short 90 day periods – this is what the medical review testing has been focused on. However, many people get stuck on them for much longer periods. Obviously, you must consult with your GP about such things but it can be useful to acknowledge what the effect upon your oral health – your teeth and gums is – that these drugs have.
Things To Do To Make Things Better
It is never too late to change your ways. No matter your age or your situation. Positive change is always easier than you think. Drink more pure water. Water is a cleansing substance that our human body loves. Are you drinking enough pure water? By this I mean water without flavouring, tea or coffee. Water is better than juices or any other kind of drink. Water is best. A good diet with plenty of green leafy vegetables and plenty of natural fibre will kick your microbiome in to good order. Eat much less meat and much less processed foods. You will feel a lot better and begin to look healthier too. If you can start to pay attention to what you consume and stay conscious whilst eating and drinking the results will be positive. Stop eating meals in front of screens. This prevents you from knowing when you are full and whether the things you are consuming agree with your body. You will lose weight if you do this, if weight is an issue for you. Unconscious eating is bad for our health. More teeth get broken when folk are stuffing their faces whilst watching TV than at any other time. Gum disease is a lot about poor eating and drinking habits. Exercise more if you can, get the blood moving by going on a nice long walk. Breathe fresh air in a park or on a bush walk. Making healthy habits your natural modus operandi will help you feel better.
Diabetes & Gum Disease
Diabetes is a challenging condition and sufferers have serious issues that confront them. Gum disease is one of many nasties that can be making the lives of type 2 diabetes sufferers worse. Getting control of your diet can be a means of making things somewhat better. Rome was not built in a day. A mouth wash is not going to revolutionise your world. Working with your local dentist can be a step in the right direction, however. Together you may be able to alleviate some of the worst aspects of your periodontitis or gingivitis. Dentists are dedicated to improving the oral care of their patients.
